Strengthening Transatlantic Ties Through Oaks Christian School’s Visit to Wycombe Abbey
24 June 2026 - Partnerships
This week, we were delighted to host the Director of International Programs and Residential Life, Doron Gladden, and Mathematics Teacher, Christina Bekaroglu, from Oaks Christian School (OCS) in California for a week-long immersion into life at Wycombe Abbey. Having spent over a decade as a teacher, coach and ‘dorm parent’, Mr Gladden arrived with a seasoned perspective. Yet rather than focusing on differences, he was struck by a profound sense of familiarity.
Despite differences in terminology and some adjustment to the British accent, he remarked with a smile that he ‘felt at home’. This sense of belonging was rooted in what he described as a clear ‘synergy’ between the two schools, underpinned by shared leadership structures, values and an unapologetic commitment to academic excellence. Looking beyond the variations in language, it became evident that the core principles remain the same, reinforcing his belief that ‘good teaching is universal’.
Throughout his visit, Mr Gladden observed a strong sense of collaboration among staff and a shared mission to invest meaningfully in the lives and futures of pupils. Central to this was the intentionality of the academic experience. Lessons, he noted, extend beyond the transmission of knowledge, instead equipping pupils with the ability to ‘think well, communicate well and write well’. He spoke of the importance of helping young people ‘connect with their future selves’, preparing them for a global economy in which they must articulate ideas and navigate complex challenges. When invited to engage with real-world problems he encounters in the United States, Wycombe Abbey pupils responded with confidence and insight, demonstrating what he described as ‘leadership calibre thinking’.
Beyond the classroom, he was equally impressed by the independence fostered through boarding life. He observed that pupils develop resilience and adaptability by encountering challenges within a supportive environment, enabling them to approach problems in thoughtful and innovative ways. This experience, he suggested, cultivates an independence that prepares them not only for university but for life beyond it.
Despite the rigour of academic and boarding life, Mr Gladden noted the distinct atmosphere of ‘youthful joy’ and genuine excitement for learning that runs through the School. He recognised a similar work ethic to that of his own pupils in California, with both communities driven by a determination to excel. As he explained, this competitive spirit is not about outperforming others, but about striving continuously to be the best version of oneself. The ambition is clear: to develop ‘leaders of industry, and not just employees of industry’.
The visit proved to be a truly formative experience, further strengthening the growing partnership between Wycombe Abbey and Oaks Christian School. From time spent in classrooms to moments within the boarding houses, including the warm welcome of Shelburne and its resident dog Mabel, Mr Gladden encountered a community united by purpose and shared values. He concluded with praise for the dedication and skill of staff, particularly those managing the pace and demands of boarding life with such care and consistency.
Mrs Sarah Phillips, Housemistress of Shelburne, who hosted Mr Gladden says:
‘It was a pleasure to host Mr Gladden at my home in Shelburne and to design an itinerary that provided him with full immersion into British boarding and the traditions that make Wycombe Abbey such a special place. Despite more than 100 years separating the foundation of our schools, our discussions highlighted their clear alignment in ethos and ambition, with both seeking to drive excellent and instil the values of empathy, integrity and service. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected for this professional opportunity and to play a small part in strengthening the connection between our institutions. I am very much looking forward to my visit to Oaks Christian School in October.’
As we look to the future of this partnership, both schools remain committed to learning from one another and to ‘remaining in each other’s service’. In doing so, we continue to prepare our pupils not only for academic success, but to lead with confidence, integrity and vision on a global stage.
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